Microsoft President Brad Smith Set to Testify Over Role in OpenAI’s Early Formation

Microsoft President Brad Smith is expected to testify in court regarding Microsoft’s involvement during OpenAI’s formative years amid the ongoing legal battle involving Elon Musk and OpenAI.

San Francisco | May 11, 2026:Microsoft President Brad Smith is reportedly set to testify in the ongoing legal proceedings linked to OpenAI’s founding and its transition from a non-profit research organisation into a commercial artificial intelligence giant. The testimony is expected to become a key moment in the high-profile case involving Tesla and xAI chief Elon Musk, who has accused OpenAI and its executives of abandoning the company’s original mission.

The lawsuit, currently being heard in a federal court in Oakland, California, revolves around allegations made by Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, president Greg Brockman, and Microsoft. Musk, one of OpenAI’s co-founders, claims the organisation shifted away from its original non-profit and open research goals in favour of commercial interests and profit-driven expansion.

Brad Smith’s testimony is expected to focus on Microsoft’s early relationship with OpenAI and the company’s role in supporting the AI startup during its formative years. Microsoft later became OpenAI’s largest strategic investor through multi-billion-dollar funding agreements and cloud computing partnerships that significantly accelerated the growth of ChatGPT and related AI technologies.

The court proceedings have attracted massive global attention due to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the commercial race among major technology companies. Key figures including Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are also expected to appear or be referenced during the trial as the court examines OpenAI’s governance structure and decision-making process.

Elon Musk has argued that OpenAI deviated from its founding principles after forming deeper commercial ties with Microsoft. OpenAI, however, has rejected the allegations and defended its transition, stating that large-scale funding and infrastructure partnerships became necessary to continue advanced AI research and development.

The outcome of the case could have major implications for the future governance of artificial intelligence companies, investment structures in AI startups, and regulatory discussions surrounding powerful generative AI systems worldwide.

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